[♪♪] >> Renee: GOOD EVENING.

WELCOME TO "KENTUCKY TONIGHT" I'M RENEE SHAW.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US.

WE ARE IN THE FINAL HOURS OF THE 2024 KENTUCKY GENERAL ASSEMBLY BY LAW, THE SESSION HAS TO END AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT.

AND IT'S BEEN AN EVENTUALLY 60-DAY SESSION AS LAWMAKERS PASSED A TWO-YEAR STATE BUDGET, ANTICRIME BILL, CHANGED KENTUCKY'S OPEN RECORDS LAW, PUT A SCHOOL CHOICE AMENDMENT ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT AND TOOK AWAY THE GOVERNOR'S POWER TO NAME A SENATOR IN THE EVENT OF A VACANCY.

WE'LL RECAP THE SESSION OF OBSERVERS OF KENTUCKY POLITICS.

TRES WATSON A REPUBLICAN POLITICAL STRATEGIST AND FOUNDER OF CAPITAL RAINS PR.

MORGAN EAVES.

ABBY PIPER OF PIPER SMITH LLC A GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC RELATIONS FIRM.

AND JARED SMITH, A DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST AND PARTNER AT PIPER SMITH LLC.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU TONIGHT.

SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS BY X TWITTER KY TONIGHT@KET.

USE THE WEB FORM AT KET.ORG OR GIVE US A CALL AT 1-800-944-4664 1-800-944-4664 -- 494-7645.

>> RIGHT NOW WE WANT TO SHOW YOU WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE STATE SENATE.

YOU SEE THE SENATE MAJORITY FLOOR LEADER THAYER THERE THEY ARE STILL IN SESSION.

I THINK THE HOUSE IS ABOUT READY TO WRAP UP.

THEY ARE WORKING ON A RESOLUTION RIGHT NOW.

I WANT TO GO TO WHAT DIDN'T HAPPEN TONIGHT FIRST.

AND THAT IS A MASSIVE DEI BILL SENATE BILL 6 THAT HAD ANOTHER ITERATION ORIGINAL LANGUAGE FROM A HOUSE MEASURE ATTACHED TO IT.

ABBY PIPER, WE UNDERSTAND THAT MEASURE IS DEAD TONIGHT.

THEY CAUCUSED BEFORE THEY CAME BACK ABOUT 10 MINUTES UNTIL 8:00 P.M. WE THINK IT'S DEAD.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW?

>> WELL, SEVERAL VERSIONS OF DEI HAVE BASKETBALL ON LIFE SUPPORT FOR A WHILE NOW.

THE RUB IS BETWEEN THE HOUSE VERSION AND THE SENATE VERSION.

IT'S DIFFICULT FOR FOLKS TO AGREE ON WHAT DEI IS AND HOW TO LEGISLATE IT.

AS THEY CONTINUE TO GRAPPLE WITH HOW TO DEFINE THOSE TERMS, YOU JUST SEEING FOLKS THAT ARE NOT ABLE TO LEGISLATE.

>> Renee: IT SEEMS THE REPUBLICANS DID NOT HAVE THE VOTE TO APPROVE THAT TONIGHT IT SEEMED LIKE JUST YESTERDAY WE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS GOING TO FORCE THE GOVERNOR'S HAND TO VETO IT AND THEY COULD SAY WE VOTED FOR THIS MEASURE BUT THE GOVERNOR DECIDED TO VETO IT AND WAS OUT OF OUR HANDS.

THAT DIDN'T HOLD-UP.

>> THERE WAS A LOT OF LOBBYING FROM HIGHER EDUCATION WITH CONCERNS ABOUT THE CHANGES THE HOUSE MADE AND THE EFFECT IT COULD HAVE ON NOT JUST MINORITY SCHOLARSHIPS BUT SCHOLARSHIPS IN GENERAL REGARDLESS OF WHO THEY ARE GOING TO BECAUSE OF LIMITS PUT ON WHAT YOU COULD CONSIDER WHEN GRANTING THE SCHOLARSHIPS WHETHER IT WAS LOW INCOME, CATHOLIC, JEWISH, BLACK, ASIAN, HISPANIC, WHATEVER IT WOULD HAVE PUT LIMITS ON THAT AND HIGHER-ED LOBBIED HARD TO PUSH AGAINST IT.

I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF DESIRE FROM REPUBLICANS TO DO SOMETHING ON DEI BUT IN THE SENATE THERE WAS SOME FEELING THAT THE HOUSE VERSION THE CHANGES TO SENATE BILL 6, I THINK IT WOULD HAVE PASSED IT HAD SUPPORT THE HOUSE CHANGES FELT LIKE IT WAS A BRIDGE TOO FAR.

>> Renee: MIKE WILSON'S ORIGINAL SENATE BILL 6 WAS BROADER CONSENSUS ON IN THE SENATE MORE TOLERABLE BUT IT'S DEAD THIS YEAR BUT WATCH OUT NEXT YEAR?

>> I'M SURE IT WILL BE BACK DEPENDING WHAT HAPPENS WITH ELECTIONS THIS FALL.

I SEE IT COMING BACK, THE SENATE VERSION HIGHER-ED WAS PAP ANDABLE.

IT'S LIKE A CHECK THE BOX AND MOVE ON HOUSE VERSION BUT THAT WAS OVERREACHING A LOT OF HIGHER-ED PUSHED BACK AGAINST FROM THE HOUSE VERSION BEING IN THE FINAL VERSION.

>> Renee: IS THERE ANY DOUBT MORGAN EAVES THAT THE GOVERNOR WOULD HAVE VETOED THAT BILL?

>> NO HE MADE IT CLEAR AS IT DEVELOPED THIS WAS THE NEW CULTURE WAR BOOGIE MAN THAT IS NOT AN ACCEPTABLE POLICY IN THE COMMONWEALTH AND HE WOULD VETO IT.

AND HE WILL DO IT AGAIN NEXT YEAR.

>> Renee: A ROUND ROBIN WHAT WOULD YOU THINK ONE ST SEQUENTIALAL BILLS IS.

OTHER THAN THE BUDGET.

>> I THINK THE BUDGET IT'S IMPORTANT TO TALK ABOUT.

IT WAS A GOOD BUDGET ESPECIALLY WE BUILT UP A LOT OF RAINY DAY FUNDS AND UNSPENT ARPA MONEY THAT WAS GOING TO NEED TO GET SPENT OR ELSE IT WAS GOING TO GO AWAY AND YOU ARE SEEING SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN THE COMMONWEALTH LARGE SCALE PROJECTS.

NOT ONE AT A TIME HERE'S $10,000 FOR LITTLE LEAGUE UNIFORMS.

REAL INVESTMENT IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

YOU SAW HUGE INCREASES IN TRANSPORTATION FOR SCHOOLS, IN THE SEEK FORMULA.

IT'S ASTOUNDING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT IS BEING PUT BACK INTO THE COMMONWEALTH THAT THIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY PASSED.

I THINK THAT IS EXTREMELY NOTABLE AND IT'S NOT SEXY, IT'S NOT GOING TO MAKE HEADLINES BUT I DO THINK THIS BUDGET WAS A GOOD BUDGET AND SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN THE STATE.

>> Renee: IS THIS A GOOD BUDGET, MORGAN EAVES?

>> NO.

I WOULD DISAGREE WITH MY FRIEND, TRES.

FOLKS PARTICULARLY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE HAVE BEEN TOUTING THIS IS THE BEST EDUCATION BUDGET.

IN THE COMMONWEALTH'S HISTORY.

AND THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THEY HAVE NOT GIVEN ENOUGH MONEY TO GIVE THE 11% RAISES THAT THE GOVERNOR CAMPAIGNED ON AND PROBABLY THAT WON HIM VOTES BECAUSE THAT IS A POLICY THAT KENTUCKIANS IDENTIFY WITH.

PUBLIC EDUCATION IS THE NUMBER ONE JOB CREATOR IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

THE MOST IMPORTANT POLICY IN AN AREA THAT WE HAVE IN THIS STATE.

AND THEY ARE CONTINUING TO UNDER FUND IT NOT KEEPING UP WITH INFLATION.

NOT GIVING MONEY FOR TEXTBOOKS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS IT IS NOT THE BEST BUDGET.

I THINK THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL BILL IS THE SAFER KENTUCKY ACT ONE THAT IT DOESN'T MAKE KENTUCKY SAFER IT DOES THE OPPOSITE.

IT IS CRUEL BILL THAT CRIMINALIZES HOMELESSNESS.

AND IT HAS GOOD PARTS IN IT.

BUT THEY WEREN'T BRAVE ENOUGH TO PUT THOSE STAND ALONE GOOD PARTS BY THEMSELVES.

AND INSTEAD CHOSE TO PASS A BILL THAT IS REALLY CRUEL THAT COSTS MORE MONEY THAN THEY WERE WILLING TO PUT UP.

IF YOU BELIEVE IN A POLICY YOU SHOULD FUND THAT POLICY.

AND IN THE BUDGETED MONEY WASN'T THERE.

>> Renee: MS. PIPER, THE REPUBLICANS HAVE SAID THAT THEY DID GIVE ENOUGH MONEY IN THE SEEK FUNDING WHERE SCHOOL DISTRICTS COULD PROVIDE AMPLE SALARY BOOSTS TO THEIR WORKERS.

AND SOME AS MUCH AS MAYBE 5 TO 9%.

TRUE OR FALSE?

>> WELL, THAT IS NOT EXACTLY TRUE.

THEY HAVE CERTAINLY PUT HISTORIC FUNDING IN AND THAT IS A MISNOMER EVERY YEAR WE ADD SEEK FORMULA IT IS HISTORIC AS FAR AS NATURE.

I DON'T KNOW THAT ANYONE REFERENCED A BEST BUDGET BUT A RESPONSIBLE BUDGET AND I THINK THAT IS TRUE.

THESE ARE BIG INCREASES TO PUBLIC EDUCATION IN TERMS OF THE PER PUPIL BASE FUNDING INCREASED QUITE A BIT TO $4326 IN ONE YEAR AND THAT IS IN THE WEEDS BUT YOU THINK ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FUNDING WHICH FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I'VE BEEN DOING THIS WORK 100% FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATION IS NOT SOMETHING I'VE SEEN IN MY WORK IN FRANKFORT IT IS HISTORIC AND SIGNIFICANT.

I WILL SAY I DON'T THINK ANY LEGISLATORS CLAIM THAT IS ENOUGH FOR AN 11% RAISE AND 11% RAISE IS AN ARBITRARY NUMBER NOT SURE WHERE IT CAME FROM BUT IT DOESN'T ADDRESS THE INEQUITIES WE HAVE IN TEACHER PAY WE HAVE PEOPLE MAKING 30,000 OR LESS IN THE STATE OF KENTUCKY AS A STARTING TEACHER AND FOLKS IN URBAN AREAS MAKING MORE.

AND THAT GAP IN PARTICULAR WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE GOVERNOR'S PROPOSED 11% RAISE.

>> Renee: DOES THIS BUDGET ADDRESS THE TEACHER SHORTAGE?

IS THERE ANYTHING IN THE BUDGET THAT HELPS ADDRESS THAT AND SHORE IT UP?

>> YES, TWO THINGS.

THIS IS A GREAT START TOWARD GETTING THERE.

WHEN YOU PROVIDE FULL FUNDING FOR TRANSPORTATIONINGS AND ALL DAY KINDERGARTEN, YOU FREE UP LOCAL DOLLARS TO BE ABLE TO THEN ASSIST IN THAT EFFORT.

AND LOCAL SUPERINTENDENTS HAVE VOICED THAT.

IN FACT, DEMOCRAT REPRESENTATIVE HAS SAID THIS IS A GREAT BUDGET FOR EDUCATION AND A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

THE OTHER THING THAT IS IN THE BUDGET AND LANGUAGE BUT IS THERE'S FUNDING IN THE BUDGET BUT LANGUAGE IN A SEPARATE BILL SPONSORED BY THE SUBCOMMITTEE, THE CHAIRMAN OF THAT AND THAT PROVIDES A TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION PROGRAM NOT ONLY TO PAY OUR STUDENT TEACHERS $5,000 A SEMESTER WHICH IS NOT AS MUCH WE HOPE FOR BUT IT'S BETTER THAN THE ZERO DOLLARS THEY RECEIVE.

AND IT HAS A STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS PROGRAM A PILOT PROGRAM FOR TEACHERS IN ADDITION TO THAT.

SO I THINK THAT SIGNIFICANT STEPS WERE MADE AND TRULY FUNDING WAS ALLOCATED.

IS IT AS MUCH AS WE HOPED FOR?

NO.

BUT IT WAS RESPONSIBLE AND CERTAINLY SIGNIFICANT.

>> Renee: HOW DO YOU SHORE UP THE BUDGET?

>> ON THE BUDGET?

DID EVERYBODY GET WHAT THEY WANTED?

NO.

DID PEOPLE GET WHAT THEY NEEDED?

MAYBE.

THE TEACHER RECRUITMENT AND RETENTION ACT IS GREAT, TRANSPORTATION FUND SOMETHING GREAT.

I THOUGHT THE BUDGET DID A LOT TO ADDRESS RURAL WATER ISSUES THAT PLAGUED THE STATE.

I THINK IT DID A LOT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN FORGOTTEN REGIONS LIKE EASTERN KENTUCKY.

YOU ASKED ABOUT SOMETHING BESIDES THE BUDGET.

I WANT TO DO ONE, TRES CHEATED.

I WILL DO ONE -- >> Renee: HE NEVER FOLLOWS DIRECTIONS.

>> THE MOMENT MOMNIBUS.

THAT IS A MASSIVELY IMPORTANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT IS GOING TO HELP MOTHERS AND BABIES IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

IT'S GOING TO REALLY HELP CHANGE LIVES AND HELP THAT HORRIBLE.

>> MATERNAL MORTALITY RATE.

>> AND THE GOVERNOR'S PROMISED FOR TEACHER RAISES, TOO.

I THINK IT GETS CAST AS POLITICAL A LOT.

BUT I THINK IT'S INTERESTING BECAUSE IT'S THE DEBATE WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THAT THERE IS A REAL DISAGREEMENT ON WHERE THOSE RAISES SHOULD COME FROM.

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY BELIEVES THEY SHOULD COME FROM THE LOCALS AND THE GOVERNOR THINKS THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY SHOULD PASS IT.

FOR ALL THE POLITICAL BARBS BACK AND FORTH THIS IS A DEBATE THAT WE NEED MORE DEBATES LIKE THAT.

I TEND TO SIDE WITH THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON I'M SURE MORGAN SIDES WITH THE GOVERNOR.

I THINK IT IS A HEALTHY DEBATE AND I'M GLAD WE'RE HAVING IT LIKE A MATURE ADULT DEBATE WHICH YOU DON'T SEE AS MUCH IN POLITICS.

>> Renee: WE WANT TO BRING UP THE SENATE IS GETTING READY TO WRAP UP.

LEADER THAYER ANNOUNCED THEY ARE DONE.

>> EXTRAORDINARY SESSION LATER THIS YEAR BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE COMMONWEALTH.

IF THERE ARE NO QUESTIONS, I MOVE ITS ADOPTION.

>> THE MATTER BEFORE THE BODY IS ADOPTION.

THE RESOLUTION.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOR SAY AYE.

OPPOSED?

>> Renee: OKAY.

YOU HEARD THE RESOLUTION THERE THAT THEY THEY ADJOURNED IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN RIGHT NOW BUT IT COULD BE.

HE IS DOING ONE MORE ITEM OF BUSINESS ANOTHER RESOLUTION TODAY THEY HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME IN THE SENATE, OF COURSE, HONORING THOSE OUTGOING WHO ARE RETIRING INCLUDING LAST FRIDAY LEADER THAYER HAD A TWO-HOUR FAREWELL.

I DON'T KNOW IF ANY OF THEM CAME THAT CLOSE BUT THE HOUSE IS WRAPPED UP ESSENTIALLY THE BUSINESS FOR THIS SESSION.

I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE BUDGET REALLY QUICKLY AND TALK ABOUT THAT.

THERE WAS A BILL THAT WAS PASSED TODAY SENATE BILL 91, THAT DID SUPPLEMENTAL CHANGES TO HOUSE BILL 6 AND HOUSE BILL 1.

HOUSE BILL 6 BEING THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH BUDGET AND HOUSE BILL 1 THE ONE-TIME INVESTMENTS IT DEALS FROM EVERYTHING OF MEGA ROAD DEPARTMENTS, CASA, COURT APPOINTED SPECIAL ADVOCATES WATER PROJECTS, HEALING PLACE, DISASTER RELIEF FUNDS AND ESTABLISHES THE ELECTRIC RELIABLE FUND AND THE OFFICE TO ADDRESS FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND DEFENSE THROUGH LITIGATION.

WHAT IS THAT PART ABOUT, TRES WATSON?

>> I HAD A CHANCE TO TALK TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, I HAVE TO ASSUME YOU'VE SEEN LEGISLATION COMING DOWN WHETHER IT HAS TO DO WITH A FORCED MOVE TOWARDS ELECTRIC CARS WHICH WE DON'T HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE OR THE BASE ELECTRICITY IF YOU START TAKING COAL PLANTS OFF LINE.

THE FORCING COAL POWER PLANTS OFF LINE, THE CHEAPEST AND MOST RELIABLE ENERGY FOR KENTUCKY.

COAL IS GOOD FOR KENTUCKY MAY NOT BE THE BEST FOR THE OTHER STATES.

I THINK IT'S GIVING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SOME BUDGET TO WORK AGAINST THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION.

THOSE AREAS THAT ARE GOING TO BE REGULATIONS IT WILL BE HARMFUL TO THE COMMONWEALTH AND ITS INTERESTS.

>> Renee: ANYONE WANT TO COMMENT ON THAT?

>> TRES ARE WE TELLING PRIVATE BUSINESSES HOW TO RUN THEIR OPERATIONS?

>> WE ARE TELLING THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> YOU ARE TELLING IF -- IF THEY WANT TO TRANSITION TO COAL-FIRED PLANTS THEY SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO DO SOMETHING.

>> IT'S MORE PUSHING BACK ON FEDERAL REGULATIONS THAT WOULD FORCE THE TRANSITION AND FORCE PEOPLE TO MOVE FROM GAS POWERED CARS TO ELECTRIC CARS THERE MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH CHARGING PORTS TO RUN ALL THE CARS.

>> Renee: WASN'T THERE A TAX EXEMPTION THAT ADDRESSED THAT FOR CHARGES STATIONS?

>> YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT NOT JUST TO BE PUT IN THE COMMONWEALTH IN PEOPLE'S HOUSES.

WE'RE NOT READY FOR IT.

IT'S BEEN FORCED.

>> ELECTRIC CHARGING PUMP AT EVERY GAS STATION YOU ARE FINE.

>> THAT NEGLECTS IS AN OVERVIEW OF THE ACTUAL FROM GUILT OF OUR ELECTRICAL GRID WHICH IS A PENDING CRISIS FOR US.

AND WE'VE SEEN LEGISLATIVE PIECES LOOKING HOW WE CAN STUDY THE NUCLEAR POWER AND OTHER THINGS, POWER AND ENERGY A BIG SUBJECT IN THE COMMONWEALTH.

BUT TRES IS RIGHT, IT'S NOT THAT WE DON'T HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CHARGING STATIONS, WE DON'T HAVE THE ELECTRICAL GRID INFRASTRUCTURE TO SUSTAIN THIS.

AND ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR WHEN WE SAW OUR NATURAL DISASTERS WE SAW ELECTRIC VEHICLES STALL ON THE ROAD.

MAKING SURE WE HAVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE TO MAKE SURE WE HAVE A SAFE COMMONWEALTH IS GOING TO BE A NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.

>> I'VE TALKED TO JUDGES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED BROWNOUTS THEY ARE WORRIED ABOUT FURTHER BROWNOUTS BECAUSE OF POWER PLANTS COMING OFF LINE PREMATURELY.

THERE'S CONCERN OUT THERE ABOUT THE POWER SUPPLY FOR THE COMMONWEALTH, ESPECIALLY AGAIN IF YOU ARE GOING TO BRING ELECTRIC CARS ON-LINE AND BUILD THE BATTERIES HERE AND THE POWER THAT IS REQUIRED TO RUN THOSE FACILITIES WE NEED TO MAKE SURE OUR GRID IS ABLE TO SUSTAIN IT.

IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS GOING TO PASS REGULATIONS MAKING IT HARDER FOR THE COMMONWEALTH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL NEEDS THE FIRE POWER TO FIGHT BACK.

>> OR THIS IS JUST GIVING THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MORE MONEY TO SUE A DEMOCRAT IN WASHINGTON TO USE FOR REELECTION CAMPAIGN.

>> Renee: SIMPLE, RIGHT?

>> I THINK IT'S SIMPLE, NOT AS COMPLEX OR WEEDY AS MY COLLEAGUES ARE MAKING IT OUT TO BE.

>> THIS IS LESS ABOUT POLITICS I WAS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE AND THEY ANNOUNCED FEDERAL LAWSUITS AGAINST THE REGULATIONS.

IT'S ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH AND OUR ENERGY NEEDS AND HOW TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.

>> I DON'T THINK WHEN GOVERNOR BESHEAR WAS ATTORNEY GENERAL THE G.O.P.

MAJORITY GAVE HIM MONEY TO SUE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> DID HE ASK FOR IT?

>> NO, I'M CURIOUS WHY IT WAS NOT A CLEAN UP BILL VERSUS THE ORIGINAL BILL.

THIS IS POLITICAL GIVING HIM EXTRA MONEY TO FUEL SOME SORT OF POLITICAL FUTURE FOR HIMSELF.

>> Renee: THAT IS A GOOD POINT, IF IT WAS SO IMPORTANT TO DO WHY WASN'T IT CONSIDERED EARLIER?

>> A LOT OF REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN ROLLED OUT WITHIN THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS.

I THINK YOU ARE SEEING AN INCREASING POLITICALIZATION, I THINK IT'S JOE BIDEN MAKING A PITCH FOR VOTES IN STATES AMONG SUBURBAN MODERATE SWING VOTERS THAT IS GOING TO NEGATIVELY IMPACT THE COMMONWEALTH.

HE IS MAKING A PLAY FOR VOTES IN WISCONSIN AND PENNSYLVANIA BUT IT WILL HURT US HERE.

YOU SEE AN INCREASING NEED FOR IT SINCE THE BUDGET WAS PASSED THE FIRST TIME.

>> Renee: LET'S TALK ABOUT THE SAFER KENTUCKY ACT CALLED VARIOUS THINGS FROM THE KENTUCKY ACT, SUFFER KENTUCKY ACT.

HOUSE BILL 5 THERE WAS A BILL SIGNING KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE ADAMS WAS THERE AND SO WERE VICTIMS ONE OF WHOM HAD REALLY LOBBIED FOR A PART OF THAT BILL DEALING WITH CHARITABLE BAIL.

JUST TO REMIND OUR VIEWERS THAT THAT IS THE MEASURE THAT ENHANCES PENALTIES FOR VIOLENT OFFENDERS MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE, A PROSECUTOR COULD SEEK AGAINST THOSE WHO SELL OR DISTRIBUTE FENTANYL AND IT LEADS TO A FATAL OVERDOSE AND CRACKS DOWN ON UNLAWFUL STREET CAMPING THE BIGGEST CONTENTION AND SET LIMITS ON CHARITABLE BAIL AND DOES OTHER THINGS MANY YOU BROUGHT THAT UP BEFORE, YOUR THOUGHTS ON MANY PARTS OF IT?

>> I'VE BEEN ON RECORD, HOUSE BILL 5 THERE'S GOOD STUFF IN THERE AND BAD STUFF IN THERE.

I THINK WE'RE SEEING THE PENDULUM SWING BACK TO MORE LOCK THEM UP THROW AWAY THE KEY TYPE MENTALITY INSTEAD OF TRYING CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM AND REFORMED THROUGHOUT THE SYSTEM.

I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE ID FUNDING FOR PEOPLE COMING OUT OF PRISON TO GET AN ID FOR FREE WHEN THEY LEAVE.

IF YOU ARE GOING TO -- THERE'S GOOD STUFF.

CARJACKING BECOMING A CRIME THAT IS A GOOD POLICY.

FENTANYL NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH.

THE HOMELESSNESS, CRUEL, ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS ENFORCE THE LOITERING STATUTES ON THE BOOKS.

>> Renee: IN OREGON IS DEALING WITH THIS RIGHT NOW, THE SUPREME COURT IS LOOKING AT THIS.

BECAUSE THEY HAVE A SIMILAR THING THAT WOULD ISSUE FINES OR PUNITIVE ACTIONS AGAINST THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS.

DO YOU THINK WE'RE ACTING TOO SOON CONSIDERING THE COURTS MAY HAVE A SAY ELSEWHERE?

>> I DON'T THINK SO.

IT'S GOING TO PLAY OUT AND WE'LL SEE WHAT HAPPENS AND IF THE CASE IN OREGON SUCCEEDS THEN WE'LL HAVE THE LAW ON THE BOOKS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, I THINK YOU SEE THIS IS IN LEXINGTON, LEXINGTON HAS HAD A GOOD TRACK RECORD WITH DEALING WITH HOMELESSNESS IT'S BEEN EXACERBATED BY COVID THERE ARE LOCAL SOLUTIONS AND GOODWILL IS TRYING TO WORK ON THE ISSUE.

>> Renee: AND DOES THIS HOUSE BILL 5 DO ANYTHING TO UNDERMINE THOSE LOCAL EFFORTS?

>> I DON'T THINK SO IT'S ABOUT GETTING PEOPLE INTO HOMES INTO SHELTERS AND OFF THE STREETS.

THE STREETS IT'S NOT A GOOD, SAFE, HEALTHY PLACE FOR THEM TO BE ANYWAY.

BUT IT'S ONE OF THOSE DEALS YOU HAVE TO HAVE THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND GROUPS ARE WORKING ON THAT.

I HOPE AS WE MOVE FORWARD WITH THE LAW GOING INTO EFFECT THERE IS A MOVEMENT NEXT SESSION TO LOOK AT HOUSING AND HOW WE DEAL WITH THE BACK END OF IT.

BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, LOUISVILLE ESPECIALLY HAS PROBLEMS UP THERE AND WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE PUT THE TOOLS THAT ARE NECESSARY TO HELP MAKE THE CITIZENS FEEL SAFE AND HELP BUSINESSES FEEL SAFE SO THE ENGINE CAN KEEP RUNNING.

>> Renee: THERE'S RESEARCH THAT SAYS LONGER, TOUGHER SENTENCES DOES NOT REDUCE CRIME AND CAN EXACERBATE INCARCERATION COSTS.

>> THE ONLY THREE STRIKES THREE FELONIES YOU WERE IN JAIL THIS IS MORE FOCUSED.

IF YOU'VE BEEN OUT THREE TIMES ON VIOLENT FELONIES, MAYBE YOU DON'T NEED TO GET BACK OUT.

THREE TIMES WITH FELONY ROBBERY OVER $500, MAYBE YOU DON'T NEED TO GO AWAY FOR A LIFETIME.

I THINK IT'S BEING SMARTER ON CRIME NOT TOUGHER ON CRIME AND MAKING SURE THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE PROVEN THEMSELVES UNWORTHY OF BEING PARTICIPANTS IN OUR CITIZENRY, ARE PROPERLY DEALT WITH.

>> MORGAN EAVES?

>> BUT YOU HAVE A BILL THAT AS JARED ECHOED HAS A LOT OF GREAT PARTS.

BUT YOU'RE CRIMINALIZING HOMELESSNESS WHILE YOU ARE PASSING A BUDGET THAT DOES NOT APPROPRIATE ADEQUATE FUNDING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

TO SAY WE'LL FIX IT NEXT TIME, FOR THOSE FOLKS THAT ARE BEING CRIMINALIZED SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY ARE UNHOUSED, THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO GO TO JAIL.

HOW CAN THEY AFFORD TO GET THEMSELVES OUT?

DO WE THINK WE'RE DOING THEM A SERVICE BY PUTTING THEM IN JAIL BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE A HOME?

NO, WE WOULD BE BETTER SERVED SPENDING SOME OF OUR RECORD RESERVES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

WE WOULD BE BETTER SERVED BY THE WAY, DOING A STUDY ABOUT REAL KENTUCKY CRIME DATA.

INSTEAD OF UTILIZING WHAT THE RESPONSE SORE OF THIS BILL DID WHICH WAS UTILIZE ATLANTA CRIME DATA, COPY AND PASTE, PLAGUERIZED AND TRIED TO TELL EVERYBODY THIS IS A KENTUCKY PROBLEM.

WE'RE PASSING THIS BILL THAT HARMS PEOPLE, THAT IS GOING TO COST THE STATE AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF MONEY.

AND WE DIDN'T EVEN PAY TAXPAYERS THE RESPECT TO DO OUR RESEARCH?

YOU KNOW, YOU HAVEN'T SEEN ANYONE COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK, A JUDGE, A PROSECUTOR OR ANYONE WHO SAID THEY WORKED WITH THE SPONSOR ON THIS BILL.

IN A COURT OF LAW THAT IS MALPRACTICE.

THAT GUY SHOULD FRANKLY BE VOTED OUT OF OFFICE.

I HOPE HE IS.

HE WAS DISRESPECTFUL TO THE TAXPAYERS.

TRIED TO PASS OFF SOMETHING AS HIS OWN AS KENTUCKY SPECIFIC.

HE LIED TO PEOPLE PLAIN AND SIMPLE AND IT'S GOING TO COST PEOPLE MONEY AND POSSIBLY THEIR LIVES.

>> IF YOU WANT TO RUN FOR OFFICE, TO BAN CARJACKING THAT IS A POSITION NOT WHAT I WOULD TAKE BUT IT IS A POSITION.

>> Renee: IS THERE DISTENTS BETWEEN HOUSE BILL 5 THAT DEALS WITH THE CRIMINALIZATION OF HOMELESSNESS AND THE BILL THAT PASSED IT WAS HB18 ON SOURCE OF INCOME DISCRIMINATION, WHERE IT BANS LOCAL ORDINANCES THAT WOULD REQUIRE LANDLORDS TO ACCEPT FEDERAL HOUSING VOUCHERS SUCH AS SECTION 8.

THOSE SEEM TO BE GOING AT THE PROBLEM OF HOMELESSNESS IN NOT THE RIGHT WAYS THAT SOME ADVOCATES WOULD SAY.

>> IT'S A THIN LINE TO WALK AND DEALING WITH CRIME AND PROPERTY RIGHTS WHAT CAN I DO WITH THE PROPERTY I OWN?

IF I OWNED RENTAL PROPERTY I DON'T WANT THE GOVERNMENT FORCING ME TO HAVE TO TAKE PEOPLE ON TO MY REAL PROPERTY.

THERE ARE CERTAIN STUFF WITH DISCRIMINATION THAT MAKES SENSE.

BUT TO SAY THAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE PEOPLE THAT YOU DON'T WANT TO TAKE BASED ON THEIR SOURCE OF INCOME.

LEXINGTON THE PROBLEM IS THE RATES ARE SO HIGH.

THE SOURCE OF INCOME, I'M THINK IT MATTERS.

THE RENTAL RATES ARE SO HIGH.

I JUST, IT'S WALKING A WEIRD BALANCE ON PERSONAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO WITH THE PROPERTY THAT YOU OWN VERSUS SOLVING THIS LARGER PROBLEM WE HAVE.

IT'S NOT GOING TO BE SOLVED BY HAVING MORE SECTION 8 HOUSING.

WE NEED A BROADER SOLUTION TO THE HOUSING PROBLEM AND IT'S NOT A KENTUCKY PROBLEM IT IS A NATIONWIDE PROBLEM AND A DISCUSSION WE NEED TO HAVE.

WE'LL HAVE IT THROUGHOUT THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.

>> LET'S BE CLEAR WE HAVE A DRUG PROBLEM.

WE NEED TO FOCUS ON THAT FIRST AND FOREMOST.

MORGAN IS RIGHT WE DON'T HAVE THE JAIL SPACE TO HOUSE ALL OF THESE PEOPLE AND THAT IS SHORT-SIGHTED AT BEST.

BUT I DO WANT TO STAND UP FOR THE REPRESENTATIVE AND SAY THERE'S LOUISVILLE DATA AND HE DID LOOK AT THAT.

AND LEGISLATIVE MALPRACTICE IS A PRETTY REPRESENTATIVE -- ACCUSATION.

AT ANY RATE THERE IS LOUISVILLE DATA AND IT IS AN A 10 THEYCIOUS TO CALL THAT LEGISLATIVE MALPRACTICE WE HAVE A LOT OF PLACES IN LEXINGTON WHERE WE HAVE HOMELESS BEDS THAT ARE EMPTY AND WE HAVE PEOPLE WHO ARE ADDICTED TO SUBSTANCES THAT THEY CAN'T GO TO THOSE PLACES.

WE ARE HAVING A BROADER CONVERSATION ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY AND I HATE TO SPEND SO MUCH OXYGEN ON THE HOMELESSNESS PIECE HOUSE BILL 5 IS MORE.

>> Renee: TO GET TO THAT THERE ARE A COUPLE VIEWER RESPONSES.

DO WE HAVE DATA THAT SAYS "X" NUMBER OF HOMELESS PEOPLE ARE ALSO DEALING WITH OPIOID ADDICTION OR DRUG ADDICTION OR DEALING WITH MENTAL WELL ANDS ISSUES?

IS THERE DATA THAT SHOWS THAT.

>> THERE'S NATIONAL DATA THAT HAS THAT BUT IT'S DIFFICULT TO TRACK IF WE CAN'T GET OUR ARMS AROUND THEM IT'S HARD TO TELL.

>> Renee: THIS FROM A VIEWER.

THIS LEGISLATION IS APPALLING FROM THE VIEWER BECAUSE IT CRIMINALIZED THE HUMAN CONDITION OF BEING HOMELESS AS WELL IT IS A MORAL EMBARRASSMENT TO WITNESS AN ENACTMENT WHILE PORK BARREL DIALOGUE IS RAMPANT.

THE LEGACY OF THIS LEGISLATION IS A CRUEL ONE.

THAT FROM A VIEWER.

>> IF IT'S ALL RIGHT I WOULD LIKE TO GET BACK TO THE SECTION 8 HOUSING.

I SPOKE WITH A LANDLORD AND HE ENJOYS RENTING TO SECTION 8.

YOU GET PAID ON TIME EVERY MONTH AND THERE IS AN ACCESS FUND FOR DAMAGES DONE THAT YOU CAN DRAW FROM FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

I JUST THOUGHT THAT THAT BILL WAS UNNECESSARY WASN'T NECESSARY AT ALL.

>> Renee: I DID NOT WRITE THAT TWEET.

>> Renee: IT SOUNDED LIKE IT CAME FROM THE KENTUCKY DEMOCRATIC PARTY.

IS THAT MORGAN EAVES?

WHO IS THAT?

>> COVID EXACERBATED A LOT OF THE PROBLEMS BECAUSE THERE ARE ADDITIONAL PEOPLE ON THE STREETS NOW.

BEFORE COVID IN LEXINGTON WE HAD FUNCTIONAL IRRADICATED MOST HOMELESSNESS EXCEPT FOR PEOPLE WITH DRUG ADDICTION PROBLEMMORS PHYSICALLY WOULD THAT ENTER INTO HOUSING THAT WAS AVAILABLE TO THEM.

I THINK ABBEY IS RIGHT, WE HAVE A DRUG PROBLEM IT'S UNSAFE TO HAVE THEM IN THE HOUSING WITH OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE ALREADY THERE.

THEY WON'T GO THERE FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS WHETHER IT'S MENTAL ILLNESS OR A DRUG PROBLEM IF WE ATTACK THAT PROBLEM.

>> SOMETIMES THE SHELTERS AREN'T SAFE.

>> Renee: AND ALSO GENDER BASED.

IT SPLITS FAMILIES, RIGHT?

>> A LOT OF IT GOES BACK TO THE OTHER PARTS.

THE OTHER PARTS OF THE BILL TRYING TO ATTACK WHICH IS THE DRUG PROBLEM.

IF WE FIX THAT, THAT LOBS OFF A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE HOMELESS AND WE CAN FOCUS ON THE PEOPLE TRULY IN NEED FOR REASONS OTHER THAN DRUG ADDICTION.

>> Renee: HOUSE BILL 5 CHECK?

LET'S TALK ABOUT THIS IS SENATE BILL 299 THE VIEWER SAYS HOUSE BILL 229.

THIS IS ABOUT THE HORSERACING COMMISSION NOW BEING RESTRUCTURED IT WOULD BE ITS OWN CORPORATION.

LET'S TALK ABOUT WHY THIS IS SIGNIFICANT.

WHO WANTINGS TO GO FIRST?

>> WITH THE ADD VENT OF SPORTS GAMING UNDER THE HORSERACING COMMISSION THERE IS MORE MONEY AND MORE OVERSIGHT AND MORE GOING ON.

I THINK IT'S NOT THE WORST IDEA TO SEPARATE IT OUT.

AND MOST DEMOCRATS I DON'T THINK THEY LIKE HOW FAST IT CAME UP BUT MOST DEMOCRATS WERE OKAY WITH THE IDEA.

I THINK WITH THE SIZE OF IT AND THE EXTRA MONEY THAT IS THREE'ING THROUGH BECAUSE OF SPORTS GAMING SETTING IT UP AS ITS OWN INDEPENDENTS THING IS NOT THE WORST OF IDEAS.

>> Renee: FROM A VIEWER IN FRANKFORT SECOND ABOUT SENATE BILL 299 WHERE CHARITABLE GAMING FALLS UNDER THE HORSERACING COMMISSION HOW WILL THAT AFFECT VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS THAT WE LION CHARITABLE GAMING FOR FUNDING.

A LOT OF CHARITIES ARE CONCERNED AND WE HEARD ABOUT SHIRLEY'S WAY THAT DOES THINGS IN LOUISVILLE AND AREAS.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT POSSIBLY HERE?

>> ABBEY?

MY UNDERSTANDING IS -- >> I THOUGHT THEY PULLED THAT OUT.

>> I THINK THEY DID.

>> THAT IS REGULATED AT A SEPARATE LEVEL AND THERE'S SEPARATE SECTIONS OF STATUTE THAT DEAL WITH THAT LEVEL OF CHARITABLE GAMING.

THAT BILL DID NOT ADDRESS THOSE SECTIONS THOSE SHOULD REMAIN THE SAME.

ANYTIME YOU HAVE LEGISLATION THAT PASSES YOU WILL HAVE ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDANCE THAT COMES OUT OF THE CABINET.

THAT SHOULDN'T BE AFFECTED FROM WHAT WE KNOW AT THIS POINT.

>> Renee: ANY OTHER COMMENT THERE?

BACK TO THE BUDGET FROM MADISON COUNTY.

OUR LEGISLATURE -- IT SOUNDS LIKE IT JUST AT FIRST GLANCE I'M GETTING READY TO.

OUR LEGISLATURE KICKED THE CAN DOWN THE ROAD WITH REGARDS TO SALARY COMPRESSION AND MEANINGFUL EMPLOYEE RAISES.

LONG TIME STATE EMPLOYEE, MY ADVICE FOR YOUNGER PEOPLE LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT LOOK ELSEWHERE.

I WILL LET MADISON COUNTY GO FIRST.

>> THANK YOU WHOEVER IS WATCHING IN MADISON COUNTY.

THEY ARE RIGHT FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS, THE PERSONNEL CABINET PROVIDED COMPRESSION REPORTS.

AND INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY TO ALLEVIATE THAT ISSUE, WE'RE SENIOR STAFFERS HAVE BEEN AT STATE GOVERNMENT FOR A REALLY LONG TIME.

THEY ARE COMPETING AND SOMETIMES MAYBE PAID HIGHER THAN A NEW HIRE.

INSTEAD OF SPENDING MONEY TO FIX THAT ISSUE, WHAT DID THE LEGISLATURE DO?

HERE IS A MILLION DOLLARS.

TO PERFORM ANOTHER REPORT.

THEY HAVE THAT DATA THEY HAVE THE INFORMATION.

THAT MILLION DOLLARS WOULD BE MUCH BETTER SPENT FIXING THE PROBLEM RATHER THAN DOING ANOTHER REPORT ABOUT IT.

>> SALARY COMPRESSION IS A NATURAL THING ANYTIME YOU ADD SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES TO SALARY WHICH THE LEGISLATURE HAS DONE FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS.

THAT IS HONESTLY A NATURAL.

IF YOU TALK TO ANY CORPORATION THEY WILL TELL YOU THE SAME THING THIS IS A NATURAL PROCESS OF TRULY INCREASING WAGES.

WE KNOW WE HAVE A PRIVATE SECTOR PUBLIC SECTOR PROBLEM WITH WAGES THAT IS NOT NEW AND IT IS A PROBLEM WE WILL CONTINUE TO HAVE.

WE HAVE THAT WITH STATE EMPLOYEES AND OUR LAW ENFORCEMENT, WE HAVE IT WITH OUR TEACHERS.

I WANT TO SAY THE LEGISLATURE IS WORKING TOWARD THAT AND IT'S GOING TO BE COMPRESSION IS GOING TO BE NECESSARY.

IT HAPPENED WITH TEACHER RAISE IN SOUTH CAROLINA AND OTHER STATES AS THEY HAVE TRIED TO COMPETE POST COVID WITH AN INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE.

I THINK THAT IS TO BE EXPECTED.

>> IT GOES TO THE LARGER PICTURE OF THE DEAL WAS COME TO WORK FOR STATE GOVERNMENT YOU GET PAID LESS BUT YOU HAVE A ROCK SOLID PENSION THAT WILL TAKE CARE OF YOUR RETIREMENT YEARS AND THAT WAS THE ARGUMENT WORKING FOR THE STATE GOVERNMENT.

NOW THE PENSIONS ARE CHANGING AND THE WAGES HAVEN'T KENT UP WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR I THINK YOU HAVE TO GO BACK AND LOOK SEE HOW DO WE TRACK AND RETAIN TALENT AT THE STATE GOVERNMENT LEVEL.

>> Renee: THIS IS FROM ANTHONY FROM LEWIS COUNTY.

I'M DISAPPOINTED IN THE LEGISLATURE FOR NOT PASSING A COST ADJUSTMENT FOR RETIREES.

IT'S BEEN A WHILE SINCE THERE HAS BEEN ONE.

THERE WERE PEOPLE WHO SAID THEY WOULD TALK ABOUT IT IN THE LEGISLATURE BUT NOTHING EVER CAME OF IT.

IT'S BEEN 10 OR 11 YEARS SINCE STATE RETIREES HAVE GOTTEN A COLA.

MISSED OPPORTUNITY HERE WITH A LARGE BUDGET SURPLUS?

>> YEAH, I THINK THE MISSED OPPORTUNITY CAN BE THE THEME FOR THE ENTIRE BUDGET WITH RECORD SURPLUSES RECORD MONEY IN THE BANK, WE'RE NOT PROVIDING HELP FOR CURRENT EMPLOYEES.

WE'RE NOT PROVIDING HELP FOR PEOPLE THAT DEDICATED THEIR LIVES TO STATE GOVERNMENT.

TO JARED'S POINT, THE DAYS OF A STATE GOVERNMENT BEING A SECURE, WELL PAID RETIREMENT, THAT YOU CAN ENJOY AFTER YOU PUT IN YOUR 20 OR 30 YEARS THAT IS GONE.

IF WE VALUE THESE PEOPLE, WE NEED TO HELP SUPPORT THEM NOW AND ONCE THEY ARE RETIRED.

>> LOOK AT WHAT THEY ARE SPENDING THE SURPLUS ON.

ONE-TIME PROJECTS, SINGLE PROJECTS.

MORGAN IS TALKING ABOUT COMMITTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY USING ONE-TIME DOLLAR.

THAT IS WHAT ANDY BESHEAR AND THE -- STEVE BESHEAR BEFORE THE RECESSION THEY WERE USING ONE-TIME MONEYS TO COVER RECURRING EXPENSES.

WE CAN'T AFFORD WE DON'T KNOW THE NUMBERS WILL STAY WHERE THEY ARE FOREVER.

WE HAVE TO SPEND ON IMPORTANT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS THAT WILL MOVE THE COMMONWEALTH FORWARD.

WATER, POWER.

>> BROADBAND.

>> THAT IS IMPORTANT AND ONE-TIME SPENDS.

COMMITTING MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF MONEY TO RECURRING EXPENSES THAT IS A DIFFERENT CONVERSATION AND HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE SURPLUS.

>> Renee: HOW MUCH WILL BE LEFT IN THE RAINY DAY FUND FROM THIS CURRENT BUDGET PLAN?

$2 BILLION?

>> THE COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENT FOR RETIRE I WOULD COST LESS THAN THE BILLION DOLLARS THEY WILL SPEND IN PRISONING MORE PEOPLE IN THE SAFER KENTUCKY ACT.

>> .

>> Renee: THE 13TH CHECK.

>> IS IT A MISSED OPPORTUNITY?

I CAN SAY I THINK THAT OUR RETIREES DESERVE IT AND REALLY DESPERATELY NEED IT.

TOUGH DECISIONS GET MADE IN EVERY BUDGET I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO SEE THE RETIREES RECEIVE THAT 13TH CHECK.

HOUSE BILL 1 PUTS TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN OUR FAILING PENSION SYSTEMS THAT ARE NOW ACTUALLY ON THE ROAD TO A HEALTHY RECOVERY AND THAT IS THE PENSION PROMISED PEOPLE WHO BEGAN WORKING IN STATE EMPLOYMENT DECADES AGO.

THAT IS NOT SOMETHING TO SCOFF AT.

>> AND STEVE BESHEAR WAS DOING EVERYTHING TO NOT LAYOFF TEACHERS AND TROOPERS DURING ONE OF THE WORST ECONOMIC TIMES ANY OF US HAVE SEEN.

>> HERE, HERE.

>> Renee: A QUESTION FROM CHUCK, HOW MANY CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS WILL BE ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT?

>> TWO.

>> FIRST SCHOOL CHOICE AND SECOND ON NONCITIZENS BEING ABLE TO VOTE.

>> THEY ALREADY CAN'T VOTE.

>> .

>> Renee: THAT QUESTION WILL APPEAR.

AND LET'S TALK ABOUT SCHOOL CHOICE.

WAY TO GO CHUCK FOR BRINGING THAT UP.

GOOD SEGUE.

SCHOOL CHOICE WE HAVE ON THE SHOW BEFORE WE'VE TALKED ABOUT IT FOR HOURS AND HOURS.

THIS IS WHAT VOTERS WILL BE PRESENTED WITH.

IS THE QUESTION GOING TO BE LONG?

SHORT?

COMPLICATED?

WHAT ARE YOUR OVER UNDERS ON THIS MEASURE?

>> I THINK THAT IS THE QUESTION I'M CONCERNED ABOUT ITS CHANCES I AM A SUPPORTER OF SCHOOL CHOICE.

HOWEVER, THE DEMOCRATS ARGUMENT TO IT IS ONE SENTENCE DON'T TAKE MONEY AWAY FROM PUBLIC EDUCATION.

THERE ARE MANY, MANY WAYS TO REFOR THE THAT ARGUMENT THEY REQUIRE A PARAGRAPH AND CAMPAIGNS WHEN YOU ARE MESSAGING THE SHORTEST MESSAGE USUALLY WINS.

I'M CONCERNED AND ALSO THE PROBLEM IS YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO WANT EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP ACCOUNTS.

YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO WANT CHARTER SCHOOLS AND PEOPLE WHO WANT VOUCHERS THEY WILL BE PUSHING THEIR MESSAGES WHERE THE DEMOCRATS MESSAGING AGAINST THE BILL IS SINGULAR.

I THINK IT'S GOT AN UPHILL BATTLE NOT BECAUSE THERE'S NOT PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR EVERY POLL SAYS THERE IS.

BUT I THINK THE MESSAGING IS BECOMES VERY DIFFICULT IN THE CAMPAIGN CYCLE WHEN, AGAIN, THE ANTI-SIDE HAS A SIMPLE MESSAGE.

>> Renee: THE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT WILL BE PRESENTED TO KENTUCKY VOTERS DOESN'T SAY DO YOU APPROVE OF VOUCHERS?

IT SAYS DO YOU ALLOW THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

>> NOBODY IS GOING TO READ THAT.

IT'S ABOUT WHAT THE ADVERTISING SAYS WHAT ARE YOU SEEING ON TV AND IN THE MAIL.

>> THAT IS NOT TRUE.

I WILL NOT SHOCK ANYBODY BY SAYING I'VE READ IT.

>> Renee: I HAVE IT MEMORIZED.

>> AND IT'S SHORT PARAGRAPH.

DO I BELIEVE IT ADEQUATELY PORTRAYS TO THE PUBLIC WHAT IT WILL DO?

ABSOLUTELY NOT.

I WILL ALSO SAY AND BY NO SURPRISE TO ANYONE AN ADVOCATE OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND LOOK WE TALKED ABOUT HOW DONTSD'S HAVE ENOUGH TO PROVIDE A 13TH CHECK FOR RETIREES AND THE AVERAGE STARTING TEACHER PAY IN KENTUCKY IS $38,000 WHILE TENNESSEE AND SOUTH CAROLINA AND FLORIDA ARE REACHING $50,000 STARTING PAY.

MONEY THAT DOES NOT GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS OR OTHER FORMS OF GOVERNMENT IT'S MONEY THAT WE SHOULDN'T DEVOTE TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS.

THE OTHER THING I'LL SAY ABOUT THIS FRANKLY IT'S NOT ABOUT SCHOOL CHOICE THIS IS ABOUT SCHOOL PRIVATE SHAKES IN EVERY OTHER MAJOR STATE WHERE YOU SEE A LOT OF BIG SCHOOL CHOICE EFFORTS WHAT YOU SEE IS LARGELY VOUCHER PROGRAMS WHERE DOLLARS ARE GOING TO PAY FOR KIDS WHO ARE ALREADY IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS ALREADY GOING TO PRIVATE SCHOOLS, ATTENDING PRIVATE SCHOOLS ON THE STATE'S DIME AND THOSE ARE RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS.

SCHOOLS FOR CHRISTIANITY, CATHOLICISM, ISLAMIC, ANYTHING.

IT FLIES IN THE FACE OF 200 PLUS YEARS OF KENTUCKY'S CONSTITUTION WHICH STATES PUBLIC DOLLARS GO TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

AND UNTIL PUBLIC SCHOOLS SAY WE'VE GOT WHAT WE NEED AND WE HAVE THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND RESULTS TO SHOW IT THIS IS A BOLD MOVE.

>> THE GENESIS OF THIS AMENDMENT IS THE STRIKING DOWN OF THE FUNDING MECHANISM FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL BILLS ALREADY IN THE BOOKS.

WHICH ARE PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS.

>> Renee: AND THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY ACCOUNTS.

>> THE CHARTER SCHOOLS WILL BE PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND I THINK THERE IS A LOT OF SUPPORT FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS.

YOU HAVE A LOT OF DEMOCRATS IN THE COUNTRY WHO ARE HUGE SUPPORTERS OF CHARTER SCHOOLS.

>> CHARTER SCHOOLS CAN EXIST WE HAVE CHARTER SCHOOLS.

>> Renee: THIS IS THE FUNDING MECHANISM.

>> THERE IS A REASON THAT SPEAKER OSBORNE GAVELED DOWN EVERY MEMBER WHO TRIED TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS AMENDMENT ON THE FLOOR.

HE WAS TRYING TO SILENCE WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO NOT ONLY OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM BUT THE FACT THAT THESE PRIVATE SCHOOLS RECEIVING PUBLIC TAXPAYER DOLLARS ARE NOT GOING TO BE SUBJECT TO THE SAME ACCOUNTABILITY SYSTEM AS OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

WHEN PEOPLE TALK ABOUT THE QUOTE-UNQUOTE POOR PERFORMANCE OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO LOOK AT A PRIVATE SCHOOL UNTIL YOUR KID CAN LEARN HOW TO READ THEY ARE NOT SUBJECT TO THE SAME ACCOUNTABILITY STANDARDS.

AND TO ABBEY'S POINT WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO FUND THE THINGS WE NEED WE DON'T NEED TO SEND MONEY SOMEWHERE ELSE.

THERE IS A REASON THEY SILENCED DEBATE AND IT IS NOT BECAUSE IT IS A GOOD POLICY.

>> Renee: JARED THERE'S THINKING THIS WILL HELP MAKE PUBLIC SCHOOLS BETTER BECAUSE COMPETITION IS ALWAYS GOOD?

>> I AM A GRADUATE OF LEXINGTON CATHOLIC SCHOOL.

THEY DON'T NEED MORE MONEY.

I DON'T THINK THIS IS A REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRATIC ISSUE THIS IS A GOLDEN TRIANGLE VERSUS THE REST OF THE STATE.

RURAL REPUBLICANS WILL VOTE AGAINST IT ESPECIALLY OUT IN THE EAST.

AND IT WILL BE WELL FUNDED ON BOTH SIDES.

>> AND LOUISVILLIANS THAT WOULD LOVE TO GET THEIR KIDS INTO A PRIVATE SCHOOL THAT WILL SUPPORT IT.

>> AND THE FACT IS THAT STATE DOLLARS PAID FOR BY RURAL KENTUCKIANS THEY WILL BE PAYING FOR SOME KID TO GO TO A FANCY PRIVATE SCHOOL IN LOUISVILLE OR IN COVINGTON.

>> I COME BACK TO WE'RE TALKING AT THE SESSION BUT THIS IS ABOUT A CAMPAIGN BECAUSE IT HAS TO PASS THE BALLOT AND THE MESSAGING IS HARD THE ANTI-IS ONE SENTENCE AND THE PRO IS -- >> Renee: YOU ARE A STRATEGIST, COMMUNICATOR.

WHAT SHOULD IT BE?

>> I THINK YOU'VE GOT TO GET ALL THE GROUPS PUSHING THIS LEGISLATION TOGETHER AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE AGREEMENT ON THE MESSAGE YOU HAVE TO HAVE MESSAGE DISCIPLINE AND NOT SCATTER SHOT THE EIGHT OR NINE THINGS THAT COULD MAYBE BE UNDERNEATH THIS LAW DO YOUR POLLING AND MESSAGE TESTING FIGURE OUT WHAT THE ONE OR TWO MESSAGES THAT ARE POPULAR THAT PEOPLE LIKE ARE AND FOCUS AS HARD AS YOU CAN ON AS SIMPLE AND SHORT OF A MESSAGE IN SUPPORT OF IT AS YOU CAN.

>> Renee: THERE WILL BE TONS OF MONEY THAT COMES IN.

>> THAT IS THE PROBLEM.

I WOULD WIN WITH ONE SENTENCE.

>> Renee: ANYMORE ON THAT?

>> THERE IS A LOT MORE.

>> WE CAN GO ALL NIGHT.

>> JEFFERSON COUNTY SINCE THAT HAS COME UP URBAN AREAS AND WE KNOW THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE SAID THERE IS A WAR AGAINST LOUISVILLE AGAINST JCPS YOU HAVE THE SENATE RESOLUTION 81 THAT CREATES THIS TASK FORCE WITH A LOT OF WORDS THAT GO BEFORE THE WORDS TASK FORCE TO INVESTIGATE WHAT IS GOING ON.

TOP TO BOTTOM LOOK AT THE MANAGEMENT ET CETERA ALL THE PARTS.

AND SO THE IDEA PEOPLE THINK IS TO EVENTUALLY LEAD TO A SPLIT OF THE DISTRICT.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR MEASURE AND WE'LL TALK ABOUT OTHER THINGS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY.

>> THERE IS A LOT IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND I'M HEARING FROM RURAL REPUBLICANS I'M TIRED OF LEGISLATING FOR JEFFERSON COUNTY.

WE ARE TOO.

HCR81 IS DEFINITELY DRAFTED IN A MANNER THAT OPENS UP FOR DEBATE THE POSSIBILITY OF SPLITTING UP THE DISTRICT INTO MULTIPLE DISTRICTS.

THERE ARE A COUPLE SCHOOLS OF THOUGHT AND TRES AND I AGREE, IF THEY SPLIT IT UP AND BLOATED SALARIES WHICH ARE ALSO A MISNOMER IF YOU DO THAT YOU WILL HAVE FOUR SUPERINTENDENTS, FOUR CENTRAL OFFICES.

I CAN'T SEE HOW DOING THAT WOULD REDUCE ADMINISTRATIVE BLOAT IN ANY MANNER.

SO THAT'S AN INTERESTING THING.

BUT THE RESOLUTION IS FOR A STUDY WE HAVE TO SEE WHERE THAT GOES.

YOU KNOW, THE TRANSPORTATION DEBACLE IS SERIOUS.

AND PARENTS HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON IN THAT DISTRICT.

WE'VE SEEN STORY AFTER HEADLINE AFTER MORE STORIES COMING.

THE N.A.A.C.P.

COMING OUT LAST WEEK HAVING THE SUPERINTENDENT TO RESIGN THESE ARE BIG ISSUES THAT NEED TO BE RESOLVED.

AND FRANKLY WE'VE SEEN PROMISES OVER A DECADE.

THAT JCPS IS TRYING TO MAKE IT BETTER AND I HOPE THEY DO.

BUT THE LAST THING I WILL SAY, THE LAST TIME THE DISTRICT WAS AUDITED WAS UNDER THE DEMOCRAT AND THERE WERE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES THEN THAT HAVE YET TO BE ADDRESSED.

IT IS -- ANYONE WOULD BE SORT OF SILLY TO SAY WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER LOOK.

>> Renee: HOW DOES THIS DIFFER FROM THE AUDIT THAT ALLISON BALL IS DOING, WHY HAVE TWO DIFFERENT THINGS HAPPENING HERE?

>> SO THIS IS WHAT ALLISON BALL WOULD DO AND THAT IS EXACTLY WHY YOU PUT IT BACK IN THE AUDITOR'S OFFICE.

JCPS LIKE LARGE ENTITIES IN STATE GOVERNMENT THEY HAVE REGULAR AUDITS AND THEY HAVE AN INTERNAL TEAM THAT DOES THEIR BEST TO GET THEIR HANDS AROUND IT.

IT IS THE 30TH LARGEST DISTRICT IN THE COUNTRY.

AND IT'S WORTH A LOOK.

AND THERE'S ONE IN SEVEN KIDS IN KENTUCKY WHO GO TO THIS SCHOOL DISTRICT WE HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT.

SO MUCH RELIES ON ADULTS GET TO GO RIGHT FOR KIDS.

>> Renee: THERE'S CONCERN ABOUT OF THE COMPOSITION OF THE TASK FORCE IS IT FAIR?

>> I'M NOT SURE.

I THINK ANYTIME YOU HAVE A GROUP OF PEOPLE A TASK FORCE IT'S RIPE FOR HUMAN ERROR AND WE WILL HAVE TO SEE HOW IT GOES.

>> I THINK WE HAVE A LOT OF GREAT TEACHERS BUS DRIVERS, SCHOOL NURSES, LUNCH ROOM WORKERS IN THE JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM.

WE HAVE A PROBLEM WITH JEFFERSON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD AND A WITH LEADERSHIP AND ANYTHING WE CAN DO TO STUDY AND IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS THAT THE EXIST THERE.

>> Renee: BUT THE BOARD IS ELECTED.

>> IT DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T STUDY IT AND LET THE VOTERS KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON.

I AGREE WITH ABBEY I'VE TALKED ABOUT THIS FOR LEGISLATORS PERSONALLY I WILL BE A SMALL GOVERNMENT CONSERVATIVE.

YOU ARE NOT GOING TO HIRE MORE TEACHERS YOU HAVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF TEACHERS AND SCHOOL BUILDINGS YOU HAVE THE SAME AMOUNT OF BUS DRIVERS YOU WILL HAVE PORE ADMINISTRATORS.

I DON'T THINK THAT IS THE SOLUTION.

BUT I THINK PUTTING TOGETHER A TASK AND TAKING A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEADERSHIP FAILURES OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD AND THEIR MEMBERS AND THE STAFF THERE AND FIGURING OUT WHAT WENT WRONG AND WHAT CONTINUES TO GO WRONG IN LETTING THE TAXPAYERS OF THE COMMONWEALTH AND THE TAXPAYERS OF JEFFERSON COUNTY KNOW THERE'S NOTHING WITH THAT AT ALL.

>> I THINK LOUISVILLE IS VERY LARGE DISTRICT AND UNIQUE IN KENTUCKY BECAUSE IT'S SO LARGE.

BUT MIAMI-DADE FIGURES IT OUT.

LA FIGURE IT IS OUT.

CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG FIGURES IT OUT.

WHY CAN'T LOUISVILLE BUS THE KIDS?

I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT.

>> Renee: DID THE BILL FOR PASSENGER VANS USED TO TRANSPORT KIDS DID THAT PASS?

IS THAT REASONABLE TO GO TO A MAGNET SCHOOL THAT SEVEN PEOPLE TO USE PASSENGER VANS?

>> IT LOOKS LIKE A BAND-AID FOR A GUSHING WOUND.

>> TODAY YOU HAVE THE LOUISVILLE CITY GOVERNMENT CANNIBALIZING THEIR BUS SERVICE TO TRY TO PATCH OVER THE TRANSPORTATION PROBLEMS.

THERE'S CLEARLY A FAILURE OF LEADERSHIP IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND THE MORE WE CAN DO TO BRING ACCOUNTABILITY AND SHINE THE LIGHT ON WHAT HAPPENED AND WHAT CONTINUES TO HAPPEN IT WILL BE BETTER FOR THE KIDS UP THERE.

>> Renee: IS REMOVING THE SUPERINTENDENT THE ANSWER?

>> I DON'T KNOW.

I DON'T LIVE THERE I FOLLOW IT AS MUCH AS I CAN FROM WHERE I PAM IN LEXINGTON.

I CAN TELL YOU THIS, I'VE HAD RUN-INS ON SOCIAL MEDIA WITH THE SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS.

I DON'T KNOW THAT THEY ARE WORKING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE WHOLE DISTRICT.

I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE MALFUNCTION IS UP THERE, BUT THERE'S CLEARLY A LEADERSHIP PROBLEM.

AND WHETHER IT'S THE BOARD OR THE SUPERINTENDENT, SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE.

>> Renee: MORGAN DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ON THIS BEFORE WE TALK ABOUT -- >> I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD.

I DO THINK THEY HAVE VILLAINIZED OUR LARGEST URBAN DISTRICT.

AND THEY'VE MADE IT THE BOOGIE MAN IN A LOT OF WAYS THEY'VE TRIED TO MAKE IT A PUBLIC EDUCATION SCAPEGOAT FOR SOMETHING LIKE HOUSE BILL 2, THAT CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT THAT WILL GO ON THE BALLOT.

I HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THAT IF YOU CARE ABOUT EDUCATION AS A WHOLE YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT IT ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH AND NOT JUST ONE DISTRICT.

EVERY DISTRICT IS DOING ONE OR TWO THINGS RIGHT.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO BETTER.

I DO KNOW I WAS AN EDUCATION POLICY LOBBYIST IN 10 STATES ALL REPUBLICAN CONTROLLED DOING A STATE TAKEOVER DOESN'T WORK.

AND I HAVE A FEELING THAT IS WHAT IS GOING TO BE ONE OF THE THINGS THAT ENDS IN THE FINAL REPORT OF THIS TASK FORCE THAT WOULD BE REALLY BAD POLICY.

AND THE STATE WOULD BE REMISS IF THEY DO THAT.

>> THERE'S OTHER SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO STATE TAKEOVER I DON'T WANT TO MISSPEAK A COUPLE IN EASTERN KEN EN AND THEY TURNED OUT BETTER FOR IT.

>> AFTER 10 YEARS, YEAH, THEY HAVE.

>> HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO DIG THE HOLE?

>> LOOK I WORKED WITH SCHOOLS IN MEMPHIS THAT WITHIN TWO OR THREE YEARS TURNED AROUND THAT IS MUCH MORE CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT.

IF YOU GIVE FOLKS THE RIGHT TOOLS THEY CAN ACHIEVE THINGS.

RIGHT NOW THE STATE ISN'T INVESTING IN PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR TEACHERS.

I'M NOT SURE WE CAN PUT THE ONUS ON PROFESSIONALS WITHOUT TAKING A LOOK AT WHAT STATE GOVERNMENT IS DOING.

>> Renee: THE LEGISLATURE ALSO IS TOLD LOUISVILLE METRO THAT YOU NEED TO CHANGE YOUR PARTISAN OR NONPARTISAN NATURE OF YOUR MAYOR AND YOUR COUNCIL RACES.

WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?

AND WHY DOES THE STATE NEED TO TELL THE LOCALS HOW TO RUN ELECTIONS?

>> IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN IT'S ONE OF THE FEW LOCALITIES IN THE STATE THAT HAS THE PARTISAN ELECTIONS ESPECIALLY FOR UNIFIED GOVERNMENTS.

SO I THINK IT'S BRINGING IT IN LINE WITH THE REST OF THE STATE.

>> THAT WAS DONE BY WILL OF THE VOTERS.

LOUISVILLE JEFFERSON COUNTY VOTED FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS.

SO NOW THE REPUBLICANS THE PARTY THAT PROFESS TO BE ABOUT LOCAL CONTROL ARE SHOWING THAT WHEN THEY CAN'T WIN IN A PARTISAN ELECTION THEY ARE GOING TO CHANGE THE RULES AND UNDERMINE VOTERS.

THAT IS NOT FAIR THAT IS NOT LOCAL CONTROL.

YOU CAN'T CONTROL SOMETHING ONLY WHEN YOU AGREE WITH IT.

YOU SHOULD RESPECT THE VOTERS IF THAT'S WHAT THEY WANT TO DO, JUST ACCEPT THAT YOU CAN'T GET A W IN LOUISVILLE AND MOVE ON.

>> Renee: AT THE SAME TIME THERE WAS A BILL BY THE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER THAT WOULD MAKE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS PARTISAN.

WE WANT IT SOMETIMES AND SOMETIMES WE DON'T.

>> I THINK ONE OF THE PROBLEMS OFFICES LIKE SCHOOL BOARD ELECTED JUDGES, THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS PEOPLE VOTE BASED OFTENTIMES BASED ON PARTY IDENTIFICATION BECAUSE IT'S EASIER TO IDENTIFY A BROAD SWATH OF BELIEFS AND ASSOCIATIONS WITHOUT HAVING TO READ A DISSERTATION.

I THINK PEOPLE OFTENTIMES VOTE UNINFORMED ON SCHOOL BOARD RACES AND HAVING A PARTISAN AFFILIATION WOULD MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE VOTING TO KNOW WHO THE HECK THEY ARE VOTING ON FOR THE OFFICES?

>> ON THE CONTRARY, I THINK PEOPLE WHO VOTE FOR SCHOOL BOARD ARE THE ONES THAT RESEARCHED THE CANDIDATE.

IT'S INTERESTING THIS MOVE BECAUSE IT'S HARD TO ARGUE AGAINST MORGAN'S CLAIM HERE, THAT IT REALLY IS VENUE SHOPPING.

FRANKLY, SENATOR MAYS BLEDSOE IS A GREAT SENATOR VICE-CHAIR OF THE APPROPRIATIONS AND REVENUE COMMITTEE SHE IS A REPUBLICAN COUNCILMEMBER IN LEXINGTON AND HAD PEOPLE KNOWN SHE WAS A REPUBLICAN I DON'T KNOW THAT SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN IN CHARGE WITH THE CITY'S BUDGET.

>> YOU HAVE A REPUBLICAN MAYOR.

>> I THINK IT'S SOME LEVEL, WE VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATE.

NOT THE PARTY.

AND ANYTIME YOU GET DOWN TO THAT PARTISAN LEVEL, LOCAL LEVEL, WE HAVE ENOUGH PARTISAN DIVISION WITHOUT DOING THAT.

I DON'T KNOW THAT IT IS A GOOD MOVE.

>> Renee: IF YOU ARE CURIOUS AT 6849, THE HOUSE AND SENATE HAVE ADJOURNED.

RIGHT NOW YOU ARE SEEING THAT ON THE SCREEN THAT IS THE HOUSE.

MY EYESIGHT IS BAD BUT I CAN TELL.

I THINK THEY ARE SAYING THEIR FAREWELLS AND HEADING BACK.

I THINK THAT IS WHAT THAT IS.

I DON'T KNOW IF THAT IS A RECORD TO BE DONE THREE HOURS AND SOME CHANGE BEFORE.

IT'S HAPPENED BEFORE.

>> YES.

>> Renee: WE LIKE IT BETTER WHEN THEY GO TO 11:59.

>> REAL QUICK.

I THINK LOCAL CONTROL SHOULD BE LEFT TO THE VOTERS OF THAT REGION.

LOUISVILLE VOTERS LIKE MORGAN SAID VOTED FOR PARTISAN ELECTIONS.

LEXINGTON VOTED FOR NONPARTISAN ELECTIONS AND THEY SHOULD BE DECIDING HOW THEIR ELECTIONS ARE RUN THAT FRANKFORT.

>> Renee: SENATE VACANCIES 622.

>> THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WAS GOING TO CHALLENGE IT IN COURT.

SO I THINK THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TOOK THE EASIER ROUTE AND FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR HIM.

>> Renee: AND WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNOR AGREE WITH AN IDEA THAT HE HAD LAST YEAR OR THE YEAR BEFORE?

>> THE YEAR BEFORE?

I MEAN WHEN THIS HAS COME UP BEFORE HE SAID IT SHOULD BE LEFT UP TO SPECIAL ELECTION.

>> I THINK THE CONCERN IS NOW THAT THEY ARE RESPONDING TO WHAT WE CAN ALL ASSUME IS OUR SENIOR SENATOR WHO IS NOT GOING TO RUN AGAIN.

AGAIN, TAKING AN OPPORTUNITY TO POUNCE ON SOMETHING TO PLAY POLITICS AND DO A POWER GRAB.

AND HAD IT BEEN THAT IMPORTANT THEY WOULD HAVE PASSED IT 10, 15, 20 YEARS AGO.

>> THE GOVERNOR SAID HE WASN'T GOING TO ABIDE BY IT SO THEY PASSED ANOTHER BILL.

>> THEY DIDN'T PASS THIS BILL.

AND IF THIS WAS THE POLICY THEY WANTED TO INVEST IN, THEY WOULD HAVE DONE IT A DECADE AGO.

NOT WHEN SENATOR McCONNELL STEPS DOWN FROM LEADERSHIP AND PRESUMABLY WON'T RUN AGAIN.

IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO PLAY POLITICS.

THEY THINK THEY CAN WIN A STATE-WIDE ELECTION.

>> WHEN IS THE LAST TIME THE DEMOCRATS WON A STATE-WIDE ELECTION.

>> THIS IS AN ISSUE DISCUSSED FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

ANYONE WHO IS A LOBBYIST KNOW IT TAKES SEVERAL YEARS.

YOU HAVE TO GET COMMON GROUND.

I DON'T SEE WHAT IS WRONG WITH HAVING PEOPLE VOTE FOR WHO THE NEXT SENATOR IS.

>> WE HAD A LAW ON THE BOOKS THAT WAS GOING TO RESULT IN A VERY LONG LAWSUIT TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THE OUTCOME WAS GOING TO BE IN THE LAW WOULD BE ENFORCED IN ANDY BESHEAR COULD TIP TOE AROUND IT TO SAVE THE COMMONWEALTH A LOT OF MONEY AND TIME IN COURT AND A LOT OF HASSLE.

NOTHING WRONG WITH IT.

>> I THINK IT IS A YOU SEE WHAT THE REPUBLICAN SUPER MAJORITY ANY CHANCE THEY CAN ERODE THE GOVERNOR'S POWERS THEY CONTINUE TO DO SO WITH GOING BACK TO THE HORSERACING COMMISSION THEY SLAPPED ON SENATE CONFIRMATION.

SENATE HAS TO CONFIRM THE EDUCATION COMMISSIONER WHO WAS CONFIRMED TODAY.

THE PENDULUM IS GOING TO SWING AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IT SWINGS BACK AND THE DEMOCRATS HAVE A SUPER MAJORITY THEY WILL TRY TO PULL EVERYTHING AWAY.

>> TO BE FAIR THAT IS JUST AS MUCH AS LEGISLATIVE VERSUS EXECUTIVE AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS.

THEY ARE STRIPPING THINGS AWAY FROM BEVIN WHEN HE WAS GOVERNOR.

>> WHO CAN BLAME THEM.

>> Renee: AND REPUBLICANS MAY HAVE SIGNED ON FOR THAT.

>> YOU SEE AT EVERY LEVEL THE PUSH-PULL WITH THE ASSEMBLY AND THE EXECUTIVE.

>> Renee: ROBBY FLETCHER WHO WAS SELECTED BY THE KENTUCKY BOARD OF EDUCATION TO BE THE NEXT EDUCATION COMMISSIONER WAS CONFIRMED THIS AFTERNOON BY THE SENATE BECAUSE THAT IS PART OF THE NEW LAW.

OKAY.

SO IN THE TWO-AND-A-HALF MINUTES WE HAVE REMAINING.

WHAT SHOULD THEY HAVE DONE?

WHAT WAS A MISSED OPPORTUNITY?

YOU TALKED ABOUT THAT?

>> THE MOMNIBUS BILL WE DID MENTION THAT THAT DID GO THROUGH SO THAT HELPS WITH GREATER ACCESS TO PREGNANT WOMEN AND ALL THOSE THINGS TO GIVE THEM WRAP AROUND SERVICES.

WAS THERE ANOTHER MISSED OPPORTUNITY ALONG THE WAY?

>> I THINK LEADERSHIP ACCOMPLISHED LARGELY WHICH ATHEY SET OUT TO DO AND WE'VE HAD A G.O.P.

SUPER MAJORITY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

SO THEY'VE ACCOMPLISH A LOT OF THE BUCKET LIST ITEMS THEY WERE HOLDING IN THE MINORITY FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS.

I DON'T KNOW THAT THERE'S ANYTHING I WOULD SAY THAT THEY LEFT ON THE TABLE.

THERE'S ALWAYS ROOM FOR PROGRESS BUT POLICY IS INTENTIONALLY SLOW.

IT'S MEANT TO BE INCREMENTAL TO GET IT RIGHT.

I THINK THEY ACCOMPLISHED A VAST AMOUNT OF POLICY INITIATIVES IN A SHORT TIME THIS YEAR.

>> CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO REFORM LOCAL TAXES.

I'VE BEEN A SUPPORTER FOR YEARS.

MICHAEL MEREDITH CARRIED IT.

AND IF THE LEGISLATURE WANTS TO FREE UP MORE OF THE BUDGET AND WANTS TO STOP LOCAL OFFICIALS FROM COMING UP ASKING FOR MONEY EVERY YEAR, THEY NEED TO GIVE THEM MORE TOOLS HOW TO GENERATE MONEY LOCALLY.

>> Renee: WHY DOESN'T IT GO ANYWHERE?

>> YOU HAVE A LEVEL OF DISTRUST BACK TO THE LEGISLATORS AND DISTRUST BETWEEN THE COUNTIES AND THE CITIES.

EVERYBODY WANTS THEIR FEES FROM BEING PROTECTED AND NOBODY CAN AGREE ON THE BILL THAT NEEDS TO GET PASS TO DO HAS TO GET DOWN IF WE WANT OUR COUNTIES TO MOVE FORWARD.

I'M HOPING WE CAN GET IT DONE AT SOME POINT.

WHOEVER PICKS UP THE MAN TELL NEXT, I HOPE THEY KEEP IT BECAUSE OUR COUNTIES NEED IT.

>> Renee: WE HAVE TO LEAVE IT THERE.

>> TRES IS LONG-WINDED.

>> THE HAWKS OF DAVIS COUNTY IS A WINNER.

>> Renee: EVERYBODY GOOGLE IT.

YOU HAVE TO BECAUSE THERE'S NO TIME TO EXPLAIN IT NOW.

WE WILL HAVE A WRAP-UP OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE LAST FEW HOURS TOMORROW NIGHT AT 6:30 EASTERN 5:30 CENTRAL I'M RENEE SHAW THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND I WILL SEE YOU REAL SOON.

TAKE GOOD CARE.